With the release of Star Wars: Episode VII approaching, I thought it was appropriate to share this announcement from the American Film Institute naming composer John Williams the recipient of the 44th AFI Life Achievement Award. Established in 1973, this prestigious award recognizes individuals in the film industry who have furthered the field and enriched American culture. Learn more here.
Without a doubt, this is true of John Williams, whose music is so widely regarded in the general public and world of classical music. In fact, the Wind Orchestra here at Eastman is giving a performance this semester that includes a medley of cues from the original Star Wars trilogy. While most are familiar with this music from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the scores of other major films like Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Schindler’s List, and Harry Potter, among many others, are a testament of John Williams’ passion for music making and decades of commitment to the craft.